doing audits in the Department of Defence. I remember that when I was a
student he would comment about a number of people he met. He was particularly
impressed at all times with Sir Victor Smith. It was not long after that that
I commenced playing rugby with Piers Smith, Sir Victor's son, and did so for
many years.

Sir Victor Smith was unique in Australian military history. As Harold has
said, he was, in 1970, the first naval officer to be elevated to admiral. He
was widely regarded as father of the Australian Fleet Air Arm for his efforts
with that branch of the Royal Australian Navy. I think it was very sad for Sir
Victor when, unfortunately, the Melbourne was not replaced back in the
early 1980s.

He had a long and distinguished career with the Fleet Air Arm and an amazing
and incredibly brave career in World War II, as Mr Hird has stated. I seem to
recall that he was on more than one ship that sank and was involved in many
battles, right at the forefront. He had an incredible career in the Royal
Australian Navy, a service he was so dedicated to. His career, which spanned
just short of 49 years, is probably close to a record, Mr Speaker. He was a
remarkable Australian who provided sterling service to his branch of the armed
services, and through it to the nation. Also, as Mr Hird has said, he was very
much involved in many aspects of the Canberra community.

I join with other members in expressing my condolences to Lady Smith and her
family.

Question resolved in the affirmative, members standing in their places.

Mr Speaker, this Bill and three other Bills I am presenting today - the
Coroners (Amendment) Bill, the Oaths and Affirmations (Amendment) Bill and the
Supreme Court (Amendment) Bill - are simple Bills yet are major milestones in
the growing public recognition that it is time that Australia presented itself
to the world as an independent country that is no longer bound to the English
monarchy. At present, judicial office-holders such as judges, coroners and
members of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal have to take an oath or
affirmation of office as part of their appointment. The standard oath or
affirmation of office that is incorporated in the various pieces of legislation
governing their appointment must have been drafted many, many years ago. The
first line of the oath says:

I swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty, Queen
Elizabeth the Second, and her heirs and successors.